Amusement device

ABSTRACT

An amusement device has an elongate body that includes a front portion and a rear portion. An air-actuated sound emitting device is arranged on the elongate body and is configured to generate a whistling-type sound when the device travels through the air. A flight stabiliser is arranged on a rear portion of the body. The flight stabiliser includes a pair of vanes that extend from the rear portion of the body and are configured such that the device spins through the air while the device descends after having reached an apex after launch. The elongate body is configured so that a user can launch the device at a speed sufficient for the sound emitting device to generate the whistling-type sound.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an amusement device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The launching of devices with catapults is a popular past time particularly with young children. Such devices can be launched upwardly and can be designed to fall back slowly while spinning in a helicopter-fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided an amusement device which comprises

an elongate body;

a flight stabiliser arranged on a rear portion of the body;

an air-actuated sound emitting device arranged on the elongate body and configured to generate a whistling-type sound when the device travels through the air; and

the elongate body being configured so that a user can launch the device at a speed sufficient for the sound emitting device to generate the whistling-type sound.

The air-actuated sound emitting device may be defined by a front portion of the elongate body that is shaped to define a whistle. In particular, said front portion may define a chamber of a predetermined volume that is in communication with an opening, the configuration of the opening and the chamber being such as to generate the whistling-type sound when the device travels through the air.

The elongate body may include a front portion and a tail portion extending rearwardly from the front portion.

Said front portion may have substantially flat sidewalls, a rearwardly and outwardly tapering top wall and an opposed, bottom wall that extends along a longitudinal axis of the body. An intermediate wall may be arranged between the top and bottom walls. The front portion may have a width of between about 8 mm and 14 mm and a total length of between about 35 mm and 50 mm. The front edge may be between about 2 mm and 4 mm from the rear edge along the longitudinal axis.

The opening may be defined as a slot extending between the sidewalls. A front edge of the slot may be a predetermined distance closer to the bottom wall than a rear edge of the slot with the chamber being positioned between the slot and the bottom wall. In particular, but not exclusively, the front edge of the slot may be between about 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm closer to the bottom wall than the rear edge of the slot.

Internally, either the intermediate wall or a web may define a rear curved chamber wall that terminates at the rear edge of the slot and at the bottom wall that defines a substantially flat floor of the chamber.

An overall length of the chamber may be between about 15 mm and 25 mm. An overall depth or height of the chamber may be between about 8 mm and 15 mm. A width of the chamber may be between about 5 mm and 13 mm. A portion of the rear chamber wall that terminates at the floor has a circular profile with a radius of between approximately 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

Said front portion also defines an internal, curved front wall for the chamber. In particular, said curved front wall has a circular profile with a radius of between 2 mm and 5 mm. A distance between the radius centre of the rear wall and a radius centre of the front wall is between approximately 10 mm and 18 mm, along the longitudinal axis.

The intermediate wall and rear parts of the sidewalls and top and bottom walls may define a housing for housing a power supply and associated circuitry for an LED. In particular, a number of battery cells may be received within the housing to power the LED via the associated circuitry. A switch may be operatively engaged with the circuitry so that the LED can be switched on and off.

A cover may be hinged to the top wall. The cover and a suitable part of the front portion may have complementary, releasable engaging formations so that the cover can be used to close or open the housing. The cover may include an opening through which the switch can project so that the LED can be turned on and off when the cover is in its closed position.

The flight stabiliser may include a relatively flat member or flight that extends both longitudinally and laterally from the rear portion of the body to stabilise flight of the device. The flight stabiliser may also include a pair of vanes that extends from the rear portion of the body further to stabilise flight of the device. In particular, the vanes may be configured such that the device spins through the air while the device descends after having reached an apex after launch.

The vanes may be defined by an elongate strip of suitable material that is flexible, but capable of being deformed and to retain a subsequent shape. An anchor rod or pin may extend from opposite sides of the body. The strip may have an opening about halfway along its length to accommodate the body but to be retained in position by the pin. A number of opposed retaining projections or lugs may be arranged on opposite sides of the body in a corresponding fashion. The strip may have suitably located complementary openings defined along its length and through which the projections or lugs can be received to retain part of each vane proximate the body.

The flight may also define a gripping formation and may be disk shaped and may define a rear end of the body. Each vane may define a slotted opening to accommodate the flight so that the flight can be gripped while the vanes extend beyond and outwardly from the body. Instead, the vanes may be gripped when the device is used with a catapult, the slots accommodating the flight to permit the vanes to be drawn against each other.

In another embodiment, said front portion may be generally cylindrical in shape. The front portion may comprise a pair of part-cylindrical structures in the form of a whistle structure and a battery carrier structure that are connected together via a longitudinal hinge that pivotally connects the whistle and battery carrier structures. A clip or other fastening mechanism may be arranged on the structures to permit the structures to be fastened together in a releasable manner. A diameter of the front portion may be roughly between 10 mm and 30 mm, for example 20 mm.

The retainers may define complementary mounting formations to permit a shock absorbing member to be mounted on a leading end of the front portion. The shock absorbing member may correspond with the body and may be convex or rounded. This serves to protect the body, in use. The size and material of the shock absorbing member provides a level of safety, for example, if the device were to strike a person in the eye. The size and material of the shock absorbing member also protects the device from being damaged should the device strike a hard surface.

The air-actuated sound emitting device may include a whistle component that is mounted or retained in the whistle retainer. The whistle component may have a whistle body that defines a chamber in communication with a whistle opening, the configuration of the opening and the chamber being such as to generate the whistling-type sound when the device travels through the air.

The whistle opening may be defined as a slot extending between sidewalls of the whistle body. A front edge of the slot may be a predetermined distance closer to a bottom wall of the whistle body than a rear edge of the slot with the chamber being positioned between the slot and the bottom wall. In particular, but not exclusively, the front edge of the slot may be between about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm closer to the bottom wall than the rear edge of the slot.

Internally, a rear wall of the whistle body may be rearwardly curved to terminate at the rear edge of the slot and at the bottom wall that defines a substantially flat floor of the chamber.

An internal overall length of the chamber may be between about 15 mm and 25 mm. An overall depth or height of the chamber may be between about 6 mm and 12 mm. A width of the chamber may be between about 5 mm and 13 mm. A portion of the rear chamber wall that terminates at the floor has a circular profile with a radius of between approximately 2 mm and 6 mm.

It will thus be appreciated that when the device travels through the air, airflow is split by the rear edge of the slot. Air is then driven along the rear wall, across the floor and along the front circular wall. It will be appreciated that this generates a whistling sound with suitable dimensions selected for the various components and geometries of the front portion. In one arrangement, the air that is driven into the chamber can split into two vortices to generate sounds with different frequencies at different flight speeds.

Said front portion also defines a catch formation to engage a launch device, such as a catapult. Thus, the catch formation may be configured to engage an elastic band of the catapult. In that embodiment, the rear portion of the body may define a gripping formation so that a user can grip the device while the elastic band is extended prior to launch of the device.

The battery retainer may be configured for housing a power supply and associated circuitry for an LED. In particular, a number of battery cells may be received within the battery retainer to power the LED via the associated circuitry. A switch may be operatively engaged with the circuitry so that the LED can be switched on and off. The battery retainer may include an opening through which the switch can project so that the LED can be turned on and off when the cover is in its closed position.

The flight stabiliser may include a pair of vanes that extends from the rear portion of the body to stabilise flight of the device. In particular, the vanes may be configured such that the device spins through the air.

The gripping formation may be disk shaped and may define a rear end of the body. Each vane may define a slotted opening to accommodate a gripping formation so that the body can be gripped while the vanes extend beyond and outwardly from the body.

A pair of vane-retaining pins may extend from opposite sides of the rear portion of the body. Each vane may define openings that are offset with respect to each other but that are configured to engage the pins so that the vanes can be retained in a folded manner with respect to the body. The offset of the openings facilitates a suitable orientation of the vanes, due to material memory, when the vanes are disengaged from the pins prior to use. That orientation of the vanes encourages spin of the device during descent.

The vanes may be defined by an elongate, substantially flat vane member of a material having a degree of malleability, and comprised of a central portion interposed between a pair of end portions. Each end portion may be angularly offset, in opposite directions, relative to the central portion. An angle of offset may be between approximately 3° and 7°, for example, 5°. the rear portion of the elongate body being configured so that the vane member can be folded on a transverse central line to engage the rear portion at the fold with the end portions capable of being bent back towards the rear portion and partially retaining that position so that the offset results in the end portions being oriented to impart spin to the amusement device as it drops after having been launched upwardly.

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of an amusement device, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view, from underneath, of the amusement device.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view, from above, of the amusement device.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the amusement device.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a front portion of the amusement device.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the front portion of the amusement device.

FIG. 7 shows one vane of the amusement device.

FIG. 8 shows another vane of the amusement device.

FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of an amusement device, in accordance with the invention, without vanes.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the amusement device of FIG. 9, without vanes.

FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view of the amusement device with a front portion in an opened condition.

FIG. 12 shows a three-dimensional view of the device, from the front, with a front portion in an open condition and with a partly sectioned whistle retainer and component.

FIG. 13 shows a side section view of the device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 shows a further schematic view of the whistle to indicate dimensions.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross-section view of the whistle, illustrating airflow within the whistle.

FIG. 17 shows a view of the device of FIG. 9 in an “in flight” condition.

FIG. 18 shows a three-dimensional view of the amusement device with the front portion in an open condition and from the rear.

FIG. 19 shows one view of the device of FIG. 9 in a stored condition.

FIG. 20 shows another view of the device of FIG. 9 in a stored condition.

FIG. 21 shows a view of vanes of the device in a folded condition to illustrate an angular offset of portions of the vanes.

FIG. 22 shows the vanes of FIG. 21 in a flattened condition to illustrate a structural configuration of the vanes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one embodiment of an amusement device, in accordance with the invention.

The amusement device 10 includes a body 12. The body 12 includes a front portion 14. A rear portion 16 extends from the front portion 14. The rear portion 16 includes a stem 18 that extends from the front portion 14. A flight stabilizer 68 includes a disk-shaped flight 20 positioned on the stem 18 such that the stem 18 is interposed between the front portion 14 and the flight 20.

An air-actuated sound emitting device or whistle 22 is defined by the front portion 14. Thus, the front portion 14 defines a chamber 24 of a predetermined volume that is in fluid communication with an opening in the form of a slot 26. The configuration of the slot 26 and the chamber 24 is such that a whistling-type sound is generated when the device 10 travels through the air.

The front portion 14 has flat sidewalls 28, a rearwardly and outwardly tapering top wall 30 and an opposed bottom wall 32 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the body 12.

The front portion 14 has a width of between about 8 mm and 14 mm and preferably between 9 mm and 13 mm. In this embodiment, the front portion has a width of about 10 mm.

An overall length of the body 12 is between approximately 35 mm and 50 mm. A length of the stem 18 is between approximately 60 mm and 80 mm. The stem 18 can have cross-sectional dimensions of between approximately 3 mm and 5 mm per side. A general diameter of the flight 20 is between approximately 25 mm and 35 mm. The flight 20 can be relatively thin with a thickness of between approximately 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, in this embodiment 1 mm. It will be appreciated that these dimensions can vary somewhat depending on the required dimensions of the whistle 22.

Dimensional details of the front portion 14 are shown in FIG. 5. The slot 26 is rectangular and extends between the sidewalls 28. A front edge 34 of the slot 26 is a predetermined distance closer to the bottom wall 32 than a rear edge 36 of the slot 26. The predetermined distance is between about 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm. Furthermore, a front edge 34 is between about 2 mm and 4 mm, in this embodiment 3 mm, from the rear edge 36 along the longitudinal axis. It will be appreciated that these dimensions can be varied to achieve different whistle volumes and frequencies.

An intermediate wall 38 is interposed between the top and bottom walls 30, 32. A web 40 defines a rear curved chamber wall 42 that terminates at the rear edge 36 of the slot 26 and at the bottom wall 32 that defines a substantially flat floor 44 of the chamber 24.

An overall length of the chamber 24 is between about 15 mm and 25 mm, in this embodiment about 18 mm. An overall depth or height of the chamber 24 is between about 6 mm and 10 mm, in this embodiment about 8 mm. A portion 46 of the rear chamber wall 42 that terminates at the floor 44 has a circular profile with a radius of between approximately 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, in this embodiment about 2.5 mm. A width of the chamber 24 is between about 5 mm and 13 mm, for example, 8 mm.

The front portion 14 also defines an internal, curved front wall 48 for the chamber 24. In particular, the front wall 48 has a circular profile with a radius of between approximately 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, in this embodiment about 3 mm. The front wall 48 also defines a flat portion 49 that extends towards the front edge 34 for between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, in this embodiment 1 mm, at an angle of between about 20° and 30°, in this embodiment about 25°, rearwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis. The portion 49 terminates at a portion of the front wall that is orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The front wall 48 defines a curved outer surface 51 that terminates at the start of a flat portion 53 that, together with the portion orthogonal to the longitudinal axis defines the front edge 34. Said flat portion 53 extends for between 2 mm and 4 mm, in this embodiment about 3 mm, at an angle of between about 10° and 20°, in this embodiment about 15°, rearwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis.

A distance between a radius centre of the rear wall 42 and a radius centre of the front wall 48 is between approximately 10 mm and 18 mm, in this embodiment about 12 mm, along the longitudinal axis.

Thus, when the device 10 travels through the air, air flow is split by the rear edge 36 of the slot 26. Air is then driven along the rear wall 42, across the floor 44 and along the front circular wall 48. Pressure is built up within the chamber 24 forcing air back out of the slot 26 to generate sound.

The web 40, the sidewalls 28, the top wall 30 and the intermediate wall 38 define an empty volume 50. This is for the purposes of weight reduction. If required, the volume 50 could be replaced with material to impart weight.

The front portion 14, the stem 18 and the flight 20 may be in the form of a one-piece moulding of a suitable plastics material. The plastics material is selected to impart suitable strength and impact-resistance characteristics to the device 10. Furthermore, the dimensions of the front portion 14 are also selected for suitable impact-resistance. For example, the bottom wall 32 can have a thickness of between approximately 1 mm and 3 mm, in this embodiment about 2 mm. A longitudinal distance from a front end of the front portion 14 to the front edge 34 is between approximately 3 mm and 7 mm, in this embodiment about 5 mm.

Each sidewall 28 defines a projecting portion or guard 55 that is proud of the top wall 30 and thus the slot 26. The guards 55 serve to protect the slot 26 from damage when the front portion 14 strikes the ground or hard surfaces.

The intermediate wall 38, the top wall 30, the bottom wall 32 and the sidewalls 28 define a housing 52. A power supply that includes a number of battery cells 54 is arranged in the housing 52. LED circuitry 56 is connected to the power supply and to an LED 58 that extends rearwardly out of the housing 52.

One of the sidewalls 28 defines a cover 60 that is hinged to the top wall 30. The cover 60 and the front portion 14 have complementary, releasable engaging formations 62. Thus, the cover 60 can be used to open and close the housing 52. The cover 60 includes an opening 64 through which a switch 65 can extend so that the LED can be turned on and off when the cover 60 is in its closed position.

The front portion 14 defines a catch formation 66 to engage a launch device such as a catapult. Thus, the catch formation is configured to engage an elastic band of the catapult. In use, once the elastic band has engaged the catch formation 66, the user can hold the flight 20 and draw the device 10 back before releasing it for launch. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the catch formation 66 tapers inwardly and rearwardly. The catapult can be selected so that the device 10 is capable of reaching a height of between 15 metres and 30 metres.

The flight stabiliser 68 includes a pair of vanes 70 that extends from the rear portion 16 of the body 12 to stabilise flight of the device 10. In particular, the vanes 70 are configured so that the vanes 70 can move towards the longitudinal axis upon launch to present a streamlined surface and so that the device 10 spins as it descends. In particular, when the device 10 is launched with sufficient energy to reach a height of between 15 m and 30 m, the passing air serves to urge the vanes 70 towards each other further to present a streamlined profile.

The vanes 70 are defined by an elongate strip 72 of suitable material that is flexible, but capable of being deformed at a fold line and to retain a subsequent shape, to some degree. In particular, the material is selected so that, when the device 10 reaches an apex, the inherent resilience of the material allows the vanes 70 to move back to a radially extended position so that the device 10 can spin when it descends.

An anchor rod or pin 73 extends from opposite sides of the rear portion 16 of the body 12 between about 17 and 21 mm, in this embodiment about 19 mm, from the front portion 14. The strip 72 defines a slotted opening 74 so that the flight 20 and the stem 18 can be received through the opening 74 and past the pins 73. The strip 72 is subsequently rotated so that the pins 73 serve to retain the strip 72 longitudinally with respect to the stem 18.

A number of spaced projections or lugs 78 are arranged in aligned pairs on each side of the stem 18 between the flight 20 and the pins 74. The elongate strip 72 defines corresponding sets of openings 76 on each side of the slotted opening 74. Thus, once the strip is rotated, it can be folded such that the lugs 78 are received through respective openings 76. Each lug 78 terminates with a bulbous portion 80 to secure the vanes 70.

Each vane 70 defines a slotted opening 82 to accommodate the flight 20. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the vanes 70 can extend over and past the flight 20 while still permitting a user to hold the flight 20 between the vanes 70 in order to launch the device 10. Also, it is possible to hold the vanes 70 against each other while drawing the device 10 back prior to launch, using the vanes 70 as a grip. In that configuration, the flight 20 is received through the slotted openings 82 so that the vanes 70 accommodate the flight 20. Once released, the vanes 70 can move back into a position in which the vanes 70 serve to generate rotation of the device 10 once it has reached its apex of flight.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the vanes 70 define angled fold lines 84. The fold lines in each vane 70 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the fold lines 84 in one of the vanes 70 are oppositely angled with respect to the fold lines 84 in the other vane 70. The angle of the fold lines 84 is selected so that the orientation of the vanes 70 imparts a spin to the device 10, when the device 10 reaches its apex and begins to descend under gravity. A direction of the spin is shown with arrow 86 in FIG. 1.

In particular, the angle may be between 1° and 3° with respect to an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A distance between fold lines 84 is between about 5 mm and 10 mm, in this embodiment about 7 mm. A distance from a rear lug 78 to a closest part of a first fold line 84 is between 10 mm and 14 mm, in this embodiment about 12 mm. A distance from the rear lug 78 to a furthest part of the first fold line 84 is between 11 mm and 15 mm, in this embodiment about 13 mm.

A user can select which fold line 84 to use to adjust a speed at which the device 10 descends once it has been launched.

The shape of the chamber 24 is also selected so that when detritus such as dirt or sand is received in the chamber 24, the spinning of the device 10 as it descends serves to eject the detritus from the chamber 24.

The chamber 24 can have dimensions which vary to change a volume of the chamber 24 depending on the required sound. In this embodiment, the chamber 24 and the slot 26 are configured so that the sound generated is similar to that of a conventional skyrocket used with fireworks. For example, a volume of the chamber is approximately 0.9 cm³ in this embodiment. However, the volume can vary from between about 0.7 cm³ to 1.8 cm³.

In this embodiment, a frequency of the whistle 22 when launched with an elastic catapult is between about 2500 Hz and 4500 Hz. In use, the frequency decreases when launching. A frequency of the whistle 22 when a user manually blows air over the whistle 22 is between approximately 4000 Hz and 4100 Hz. Furthermore, between about 3900 Hz and 4100 Hz, the whistle 22 generates a “trilling” sound, possibly from interference. The inventors submit that this “trilling” sound is appealing to users since it helps to simulate the sound of a skyrocket, thereby generating an atmosphere of festivity.

Furthermore, with this particular configuration of the whistle 22, the inventors have found that the device 10 generates an initial sound, followed shortly thereafter by a further sound. Thus, over the flight duration, there is an initial distinctly perceptible sound at frequencies mentioned above. This subsequently falls away and, as the device 10 is closer to its apex, the user can perceive a further distinct sound. The inventors submit that this dual sound effect is appealing to users.

The presence or otherwise of the empty volume 50 can also affect a decibel level of the sound generated by the whistle 22.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 100 generally indicates another embodiment of an amusement device, in accordance with the invention. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. It is to be understood that the characteristics of the previous embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment, where relevant.

The front portion 14 is generally cylindrical in shape. The front portion 14 comprises a pair of half-cylindrical portions in the form of a whistle retainer 102 and a battery retainer 104. The retainers 102, 104 are connected together along adjacent longitudinal edges with a hinge 106. The hinge 106 pivotally connects the retainers 102 and 104 so that the retainers can be opened or closed. Thus, a user can gain access to an interior of the front portion 14.

The front portion 14 of this embodiment has a diameter of between 10 mm and 30 mm. In one example, the diameter is about 20 mm.

A clipping member or clip 108 is pivotally arranged on the whistle retainer 102, opposite the hinge 106. The battery retainer 104 has a clipping formation 110 configured to engage the clip 108 in a releasable manner. The whistle and battery retainers 102, 104 can thus be clipped together or unclipped from each other. It follows that a compartment in which the batteries are stored can only be accessed by carrying out two independent movements. These are the release of the clip 108 and the pivotal displacement of the whistle retainer 102 and a battery retainer 104 relative to each other.

The retainers 102, 104 define corresponding mounting formations in the form of semicircular lips 112 at a front end. When the retainers 102, 104 are clipped together, the lips 102 define a retaining flange. A convex, rounded, part-spherical or part-ellipsoidal shock absorbing member or stopper 114 has a complementary mounting formation at its base in the form of a channel 113 in which the lips 112 are received to retain the stopper 114 in position on the front portion 14 when the front portion 14 is closed. The stopper 114 is of a resiliently flexible material, such as EVA, or any other elastomeric material or rubber. Thus, the stopper 114 has an overall cross-sectional area that corresponds with the diameter of the front portion 14. This serves to protect the front portion 14, in use. The size and material of the stopper 114 provides a level of protection if someone is struck by the device 100, for example, in the eye.

The stopper 114 together with the front portion 14 is shaped to enhance aerodynamics.

The stopper 114 includes a head 115 and a stem 117. The stem 117 is elongate, flat and rectangular. The whistle retainer 102 and battery retainer 104 are shaped so that the stem 117 can be received between them, along their lengths. The stem 117 defines an opening 119 relatively close to the head 115. The battery retainer 104 includes an elongate projection or pin that extends through the opening 119 to retain the stem 117 and thus the stopper 114 in position. Furthermore, the stem 117 serves to ensure that the batteries are retained securely in the retainer 104 when the retainers 102, 104 are clipped together. The thickness of the stem 117 is such that the stem 117 deforms slightly when the retainers 102, 104 are clipped together. This serves to secure the retainers 102, 104 in the closed condition.

The air-actuated sound emitting device or whistle 22 is a whistle component that is mounted or retained in the whistle retainer 102. The whistle retainer 102 defines an opening 116 to permit the whistle 22 to extend partially out of the whistle retainer 102.

The whistle component 22 defines a chamber 118. The chamber 118 is defined by a front wall 120, a floor 122, a rear wall 124, a pair of sidewalls 128 and a roof 126. The whistle component 22 is formed in two parts. A first part is moulded together with the whistle retainer 102 and includes the roof 126 and parts of the sidewalls 128, front wall 120 and rear wall 124. A second part is clipped onto the first part and defines the floor 122 and the remaining parts of the sidewalls 128, front wall 120 and rear wall 124.

The front wall 120 is arcuate with a rearward facing concavity and terminating in a front portion 130 of the roof 126. The rear wall 124 is also arcuate with a forward facing concavity and terminates in a rear portion 132 of the roof 126. The floor 122 and the sidewalls 128 are flat.

The front portion 130 terminates at a rearward facing edge 134. The rear portion 132 terminates at a forward facing edge 136. Thus, the edges 134, 136 define a whistle opening 138 in communication with the chamber 118.

The volume of the whistle chamber 118 is between about 0.7 cm³ and 1.8 cm³, preferably about 1.1 cm³. The overall height of the whistle chamber 118 is between about 8 mm and 15 mm, preferably about 10 mm to 11 mm. The overall length of the whistle chamber 118 is between about 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably about 18 mm. A width of the whistle chamber is between about 5 mm and 13 mm, for example, 8 mm. A radius defined by the floor 122 and the front wall 120 is between about 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably about 4 mm. A radius defined by the front wall 120 and the front portion 130 is between about 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably about 4 mm. The front wall 120 is shaped so that a distance between the two radii is between about 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

A radius defined by the floor 122 and the rear wall 124 is between about 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm. A radius defined by the rear wall 124 and the rear portion 132 is between about 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm.

The edge 134 is offset relative to the edge 136, towards the chamber 118. The offset is between about 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.

It will be appreciated that the offset serves to feed air into the chamber 118 as shown in FIG. 16. A pair of vortices is set up in the chamber 118. One of the vortices is generated at a rear of the chamber 118 while another vortex is generated at a front of the chamber 118. The interference of the vortices and the pressure build up within the chamber 118 followed by the subsequent escape of air generates the whistling sound. The sound generated is similar to that of a skyrocket and thus provides a festive atmosphere without the danger of fireworks.

In tests carried out in a wind tunnel simulator, the two vortices are formed when an airflow velocity drops to between about 1.5 and 4 m/s. When the velocity is higher, for example about 4 m/s and higher there only exists a single vortex in the chamber 118. Thus, a whistling tone of the device drops when the device 100 slows down and the two vortices are generated. In this fashion, the device 100 is capable of generating two distinct tones. This enhances the amusement factor and generates an atmosphere of festivity, as would a conventional skyrocket. In one example, the town increases by about a “mediant” or “third”, from major key “A” to major key “C”.

In a typical application, the device 100 can be launched to travel upwardly for about three seconds. During about the first 70% of this upward flight, the whistle produces a frequency of about 3200 Hz. During the remainder of the upward flight, the frequency drops to about 3000 Hz. At about an apex of the flight of the device 100, the frequency increases to between about 3600 Hz to 3500 Hz for about one second. Thus, for about the first two seconds of flight, the frequency generated by the whistle is from 3200 Hz to 3000 Hz and then for one second, the frequency is between 3600 Hz to 3500 Hz. It will be appreciated that this is a unique sound associated with an elastically hand-launched projectile. It follows that a user can create an air of festivity usually associated with fireworks. Recently, fireworks have become controversial because of safety issues and the often dramatic effects they can have on pets. The device 100 provides a means whereby a user can generate a festive atmosphere, particularly when the LED 144 is switched on.

Further whistle dimensions are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The front portion 130 of the roof 126 has an arcuate convex profile. The radius of that profile is between approximately 8 mm and 18 mm, for example, about 13 mm. The rear portion 132 also has an arcuate convex profile. The radius of that profile is between approximately 40 mm and 45 mm, for example, about 42 mm. Furthermore, the rear portion 132 is angled generally with respect to the floor 122 to define an included angle of between approximately 20° and 35°, for example, about 25°.

“The front portion 130 of the roof 126 has an arcuate external convex profile. The radius of that profile is between approximately 8 mm and 18 mm, for example, about 13 mm.”

A profile of the front portion 130 is such that an arc defined by its outer surface will intersect with the forward facing edge 136, if extended. A printed circuit board, LED driving circuitry, or similar can be interposed between the stem 117 and a battery compartment 142 defined by the battery retainer 104. Thus, the stem 117 serves to secure that circuitry in position relative to the battery compartment 142 and also battery cells in the compartment 142. The battery cells are connected to an LED 144 that protrudes from a rear of the front portion 14. A switch 146 allows a user to switch on the LED 144 before launching the device. The LED circuitry can be configured so that the LED 144 can strobe at a selected frequency and in different colours, where the LED is a multicolour LED.

The device 100 includes an elongate vane member 148 (FIG. 21) that can be folded to define a pair of vanes 150. The vane member 148 defines a pair of symmetrically opposed slots 152 to accommodate the flight 20, as shown in FIG. 19. The vane member 148 also defines a central slot 154 through which the flight 20 and the stem 18 are received when the vane member 148 is mounted on the stem 18.

To that end, a pair of pins 156 extends oppositely and outwardly from the stem 18, close to the front portion 14 to be against a fold 158 in the vane member 148. The pins 156 are interposed between a pair of lugs or spigots 160 that also extend from the stem 18 at right angles to the pins 156. The spigots 160 are received through the central slot 154.

The vane member 148 defines two symmetrically opposite slots 162, each slot 162 being interposed between a respective slot 152 and the central slot 154. A pair of opposed locating formations 174 extends from the stem 18. Each locating formation 174 is shaped to be received through a respective slot 162. The formations 174 are shaped to engage the vanes 150 to retain the vanes 150 in a suitable orientation with respect to each other when they are folded.

Each spigot 160 defines a bulbous end 164. Each end of the vane member 148 defines an opening 166. Each bulbous end 164 is received through a respective opening 166 to retain the vanes 150 in a folded-over stored condition. In that condition, the device 100 can be stored in a suitable receptacle, such as a transparent receptacle 172 as shown in FIG. 18. Thus, the device 100 can be protected from damage and can also be presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

As can be seen in FIG. 22, the vane member 148 is comprised of a central portion 168 interposed between a pair of end portions 170. Each end portion 170 is angularly offset, in opposite directions, relative to the central portion 168. An angle of offset can be between approximately 3° and 7°, for example, 5°. Thus, when the vane member 148 is folded and stored in the receptacle 172, the vanes 150 can effectively be twisted into a condition that enhances rotation of the device 100 subsequent to being launched. This occurs as a result of a degree of malleability of a material of the vane member 148 such that the vanes 150 retain, to some extent, their orientation whilst in the receptacle 172. Thus, the vane member 148 can be of an appropriate material, such as a plastics material that is characterised by the ability to retain, to some degree, a folded or twisted shape when subsequently being withdrawn from the receptacle 172.

Thus, a user can store the device 100 in the receptacle 172 by first folding the vanes 150 so that the spigots 160 are received through the openings 166 and the locating formations 174 are received through the slots 162. It will be appreciated that it is not strictly necessary for the user to have the spigots 160 extending through the slots 162. Simply folding the vanes 150 and inserting the device 100 into the receptacle 172 facilitates retention of the appropriate shape of the vanes 150 when the device 100 is withdrawn from the receptacle 172. This is enhanced by the offset described above, that serves to ensure that the vanes 150 are folded to facilitate a return to an appropriate position when the device 100 is withdrawn from the receptacle. Furthermore, the locating formations 174 also serve to ensure that the vanes 150 are maintained in their optimal for orientation since the vanes 150 are not released from the formations 174 while the device 100 is being used.

The vane member 148 can be of a number of different materials. For example, the vane member 148 can be of a plastics or other suitable material that carries a reflective coating. Thus, when used in sunlight, the device 100 can be particularly noticeable. Also, when used at night and with the LED, the LED can shine onto the reflective coating creating an effect similar to fireworks. This coupled with the whistling sounds described above can impart a festive atmosphere and can enhance the enjoyment of the device 100. The vane member 148 can also be coated so as to generate holographic images.

In the specification, words or phrases that impart a particular orientation or direction are not to be regarded as limiting as far as orientation is concerned. The word “front” means that end or side towards which the device travels, when launched. “Rear” is opposite to “front”. “Bottom” refers to a side as oriented in the drawings and the inventor(s) appreciates that the device can be provided in any orientation. Thus, further, the word “roof” is not intended to be limiting as far as orientation is concerned.

Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claims based on the subject matter of this application to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, such subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the subject matter and all improvements to the subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim to the subject matter, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

(a) there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;

(b) no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;

(c) any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

(d) any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

(e) any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claims based on the description and summary) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

Every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent. 

1. An amusement device which comprises an elongate body that includes a front portion and a rear portion; an air-actuated sound emitting device arranged on the elongate body and configured to generate a whistling-type sound when the device travels through the air; and a flight stabiliser arranged on a rear portion of the body, the flight stabiliser including a pair of vanes that extend from the rear portion of the body and are configured such that the device spins through the air while the device descends after having reached an apex after launch, the elongate body being configured so that a user can launch the device at a speed sufficient for the sound emitting device to generate the whistling-type sound.
 2. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, in which the front portion is generally cylindrical in shape with a diameter of between about 10 mm and 30 mm, the front portion comprising a pair of part-cylindrical structures in the form of a whistle retainer and a battery retainer that are connected together with a longitudinal hinge that pivotally connects the whistle and battery retainers and with a fastening mechanism arranged on the structures to permit the retainers to be fastened together in a releasable manner.
 3. An amusement device as claimed in claim 2, in which the air-actuated sound emitting device may include a whistle component that is retained in the whistle retainer, the whistle component having a front wall, a floor, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls and a roof that together define a whistle chamber in communication with a whistle opening, the whistle opening being defined by front and rear portions of the roof as a slot extending between the sidewalls of the whistle body with an edge of the front portion being a predetermined distance closer to a bottom wall of the whistle body than an edge of the rear portion, the slot and the chamber being configured so that the whistle component is capable of generating at least two different sounds at different respective velocities of the amusement device.
 4. An amusement device as claimed in claim 3, in which the edge of the front portion is between about 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm closer to the floor than the edge of the rear portion.
 5. An amusement device as claimed in claim 3, in which the volume of the whistle chamber 118 is between about 0.7 cm³ and 1.8 cm³.
 6. An amusement device as claimed in claim 3, in which the overall height of the whistle chamber is between about 8 mm and 15 mm, the overall length of the whistle chamber 118 is between about 15 mm and 25 mm, a width of the whistle chamber is between about 5 mm and 13 mm, a radius defined by the floor and the front wall is between about 3 mm and 5 mm, a radius defined by the front wall and the front portion is between about 3 mm and 5 mm, the front wall is shaped so that a distance between the two radii is between about 1 mm and 3 mm, a radius defined by the floor and the rear wall is between about 2 mm and 4 mm and a radius defined by the rear wall and the rear portion is between about 2 mm and 4 mm.
 7. An amusement device as claimed in claim 6, in which the front portion of the roof has one of a flat and an arcuate convex profile with a radius of between about 8 mm and 18 mm, the rear portion of the roof has an arcuate convex profile with a radius of between about 40 mm and 45 mm, and the rear portion is angled generally with respect to the floor to define an included angle of between about 20° and 35°.
 8. An amusement device as claimed in claim 2, in which the whistle and battery retainers define complementary mounting formations to permit a shock absorbing member to be mounted on a leading end of the front portion, the shock absorbing member corresponding with the front portion and having a head and a stem extending from the head, the stem being configured to be secured between the whistle and battery retainers with the head projecting from the leading end.
 9. An amusement device as claimed in claim 8, in which the stem is configured to secure circuitry between the stem and the battery compartment when the whistle and battery retainers are fastened together.
 10. An amusement device as claimed in claim 2, in which the fastening mechanism includes a clipping member pivotally arranged on one of the whistle retainer and battery retainer, opposite the hinge, the other of the whistle retainer and battery retainer having a clipping formation configured to engage the clipping member in a releasable manner so that the whistle and battery retainers can be clipped together or unclipped from each other in two independent movements.
 11. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, in which the vanes are defined by an elongate, substantially flat vane member comprised of a sheet-like material with a degree of malleability and having a central portion interposed between a pair of end portions, the end portions being angularly offset, in opposite directions in the plane of the vane member, at an angle of between approximately 3° and 7° relative to the central portion, the rear portion of the elongate body being configured so that the vane member can be folded on a transverse central line to engage the rear portion at the fold with the end portions capable of being bent back towards the rear portion so that the offset of the end portions are oriented to impart spin to the amusement device as it drops after having been launched upwardly.
 12. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, in which the battery retainer may be configured for housing a power supply in the form of at least one battery cell and associated circuitry for an LED, a switch being operatively engaged with the circuitry so that the LED can be switched on and off and the battery retainer including an opening through which the switch can project so that the LED can be turned on and off when the cover is in its closed position. 